One of the great British past times in the celebration of Afternoon Tea, We’ve picked out four places in Newmarket that put on an Afternoon Tea spread that is well worth trying.

History tells us that we have Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford to thank for the advent of this tradition back in 1840. According to historians, the evening meal in her household was served fashionably late and as a result the gap between lunch and dinner was a big one.  The Afternoon Tea served as something of a mini-meal to keep hunger at bay and was comprised of sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, sweet pastries and cakes. In the years to come Afternoon Tea would become a celebration of the finer things in life and we have the Duchess of Bedford to thank for that. Along with the likes of the Earl of Sandwich of course who had come up with the concept of adding a filling between slices of bread. Afternoon Tea isn’t just about enjoying a brew, it’s become something of a celebration.

Champagne Afternoon Tea and Tour at The Jockey Club Rooms

There are limited opportunities during the year to go inside the Jockey Club Rooms and their Champagne Afternoon Tea and Tour spread is well worth booking a seat at the table for. Enjoy a selection of delicious delights, all in the splendour of the  Member’s Dining Room. Admire the incredible artwork adorning the walls in this venue as you sip on bubbles  and soak up the atmosphere of this historic institution. Your Champagne Afternoon Tea is enjoyed after a private tour of the Rooms as you learn about the formation of the Jockey Club and the links to this venue.

Admire the memorabilia, some dating back to the time of King Charles II, and celebrate the Sport of Kings. Moving along the corridors of The Jockey Club Rooms you will find work by the likes of Sir Alfred Munnings, the silks of Admiral Rous, a magnificent painting of Her Majesty the Queen and a portrait of Sir Winston Churchill.

There are two dates left for the Champagne Afternoon Tea & Tour at the Jockey Club Rooms for this year with the 25th August and 10th November available to book. Click here to reserve your places. 

Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa

You have three choices of where to  take your tea during your time at the Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa. You could enjoy the surroundings of the Squires restaurant, the Roxana Bar or you could opt for the sun terrace which overlooks the immaculate lawns and spectacular rose gardens.

The Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa offers several options for Afternoon Tea  and their Full Afternoon Tea includes a selection of finger sandwiches with favourites like local smoked salmon on horseradish and cucumber and cream cheese. Enjoy warm scones, plain or fruit according to personal preference, and add lashings of strawberry jam and clotted cream. When it comes to cakes you are spoilt for choice  with delights like orange and lemon macarons, or a Black Forest Dome. The Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa are always offering new delicacies to sample as the seasons change.

There is also the option to upgrade to a Champagne Afternoon Tea as well as  the offering of a Gentlemen’s Afternoon Tea that includes a selection of savouries like a Newmarket sausage roll with sage, honey and grain mustard and fancies like a mini treacle tart among a host of others. To find out more about taking Afternoon Tea at the Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa then click here.

The Gallops Tearoom

This is another great venue and they offer four fabulous options for their Afternoon Teas starting with the cream tea that includes a freshly bakes fruit or plain scone with jam and cream to their High Tea that is a selection of freshly made sandwiches, freshly baked scones and a selection of The Gallops’ sweet treats! All enjoyed with a pot of tea or freshly brewed coffee. There’s also the option to include a glass of Prosecco to add some fizz to the festivities.

There is also the option of the Gentleman’s Tea which includes a selection of cheese and pickle, chunky bread, ham slice and sweet treats as well as a sausage roll and mini steak pie. Served with a bottle of beer or pot of tea, coffee or soft drink.

To book your Afternoon Tea, give The Gallops Tearoom, situated on Fred Archer Way, a call on 01638 667765.

Nancy’s Vintage Tea Shop

Best described as quirky and eclectic, this wonderful venue was opened in 2013 and offers visitors the chance to sample some delectable sandwiches, delicious cakes and uniquely blended teas. Part of the charm  is the decor in the venue as well as the mismatched antique china used during service. You can enjoy several different options for Afternoon Tea at Nancy’s and they even offer a Children’s Afternoon Tea at £10 per child which includes a selection of ham, cheese, Nutella and jam sandwiches, a puff pastry sausage roll. There’s also cake for the children to enjoy. All with a pot of tea for one or squash.

For the adults, there’s the option of a Champagne Afternoon Tea and for those who don’t have a sweet tooth but still want to enjoy the fine tradition there is the Nancy’s Savoury Afternoon Tea with a vintage cake stand loaded with savoury treats. Another fabulous idea is the Christmas Afternoon Tea during the festive season. Find out more  by visiting the Nancy’s Vintage Teashop website by clicking here.